The Snatch

Nameless Detective

By: Bill Pronzini

Narrated by: Doug Hamilton

In his first chronicled adventure, the Nameless Detective hires on to handle the ransom payoff in a kidnapping case. Financier Louis Martinetti doesn't trust the police to deal with the man who snatched his 9-year-old son from his military prep school, nor is it clear that he trusts the members of his own household. On the appointed evening, Nameless takes a briefcase that contains $300,000 in cash to a secluded location chosen by the kidnapper. Then all hell breaks loose.

©1969 Bill Pronzini (P)2011 Speaking Volumes

Gotta listen to the first book in a series I admire

This is not close to Pronzini at his peak. It’s worth listening to if just because it kicks off one of history’s better private eye series’.

My biggest problems were two moments that pushed the mystery narrative along when it was in reality an implausible leap. I won’t go into them to avoid spoiling anything.

There was surprising sexism from the authors perspective. It’s dated.

What was good was nameless trying to quit smoking. Pronzini probably spent ten pages on the topic, and they were the best ten pages of the story.

A quiet low key old time mystery thriller.

Excited

I learned about this author from a story that appeared in “The Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine”. It was decently done. I am more excited about delving into the whole series.

I love the tribute to the old pulp stories.

Not the Nameless I have come to expect.

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I am glad I have listened to later titles in the Nameless Detective Series. This first is in series is so different a character that I wouldn't have listened to any more titles in the series if I started with The Snatch. I wanted the whole history to the series but I don't think I can wade through these early titles if they are similar.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Doug Hamilton?

I prefer Nick Sullivan, he has become the voice of Bill, Kerry, Jake, Emily and Tamara.